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40 I EUROPEAN SEED I EUROPEAN-SEED.COM ecuring a sustainable global supply of high-quality food and feed and supplying renewable biomass for the production of bio-based products and energy are key priorities for both European and global society. In the coming decades the European plant sector will play a central and essential role in meeting this challenge and achieving this will depend strongly on the generation and transfer of new knowledge and greater innovation in the plant and agricultural sectors. The European Technology Platform Plants for the Future Plant ETP represents the most important stakeholders that provide plant-based raw materials for the food and feed industry chemical pharmaceutical and other processing industries and the bio energy sector. It is a platform bringing together public and private researchers industry and the farming communities in order to align research priorities and set up strategic action plans to promote research innovation and education in the plant sector. Plant breeders farmers and scientists work together within the framework of the Plant ETP to develop joint solutions in order to better respond to grand societal challenges and work for supportive and clear policies for the plant and agricultural sectors. Research innovation and education in plant breeding requires long-term vision and investment and this is why the European Seed Association is a founding member of this platform to contribute to the development of technology and processes that will respond to the needs of farmers. Europes plant breeding industry and public plant science research are global leaders in developing advanced plant breeding techniques and providing competitive high performing and safe seeds for agriculture and food feed and non food production. SHORT- AND MID-TERM MAJOR CHALLENGES These include requirements for more yields better and more tailored quality of biomass and more flexible production conditions to address reduced use of natural resources and climate change. In addition there is a growing need for a European approach to the intensifying global economic competition as well as to balanced production that appropriately services existing markets and new ones such as energy. The plant sector already makes a vital contribution to society. It addresses challenges and mega trends of global relevance which are also included in European strategies and programmes such as the Bioeconomy Strategy1 Horizon 2020 and the Juncker Investment Plan2 as well as global reports from IPCC3 FAO2 EASAC4 etc. PLANTS FOR THE FUTURE ETP IS CREATING AN INTEGRATED STRATEGY TO BUILD INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP BOOST RESEARCH AND EDUCATE THE NEXT GENERATION. BY SILVIA TRAVELLA S